HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - PROCLAMATION - 05/21/2013 - PROCLAMATION DECLARING MAY 2013 AS MENTAL HEALTH MPROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, mental health is essential to everyone’s overall physical health and emotional
well-being, but one in every four families is affected by a mental illness in a given year regardless
of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion or economic status; and
WHEREAS, Colorado is ranked as the 18th most depressed state and has the 9th highest
suicide rate in the United States; and
WHEREAS, the vast majority of people in Colorado who have mental health disorders are
not receiving the help they need, yet access to medication and treatment helps prevent individuals
from ending up in emergency rooms, corrections facilities, from becoming homeless, and prevents
suicide; and
WHEREAS, Touchstone Health Partners and the City of Fort Collins Human Relations
Commission together observe nationally recognized Mental Health Month to raise awareness and
understanding of mental health and illness; and
WHEREAS, indirect costs of mental illness in Larimer County total over $22 million per
year; and
WHEREAS, with appropriate care, people who have a mental illness can recover and lead
full productive lives; and
WHEREAS, comprehensive, community-based services that respond to individuals with
mental health needs and their families are cost-effective and beneficial to consumers and to our
community.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Karen Weitkunat, Mayor of the City of Fort Collins, do hereby
proclaim May 2013 as
MENTAL HEALTH MONTH
We also call upon the citizens, government agencies, public and private institutions, businesses and
schools to recommit our community to increasing awareness and understanding of mental health,
and the need for appropriate and accessible services for all citizens.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the City of Fort
Collins this 21st day of May, A.D. 2013.
__________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
City Clerk